Seven year old Dover girl fundraises $470 for local charity

DOVER — Turning seven years old the day after Christmas, young Abby Simko has the needs of less fortunate children her age on her mind — rather than presents for herself.

On Sunday, Abby presented an envelope of money totaling $470 to Claire Bloom, executive director of End 68 Hours of Hunger, a local program aimed at ending food insecurity. They send school-aged children home with backpacks full of food and snacks each week through school systems.

Relyco, a company that supports the organization, also employs Abby's father, Christian, who brainstormed with his daughter about doing something for others this holiday season. They decided to help children combat hunger.

“You're amazing, I have to tell you. You are amazing,” Bloom told Abby, of Stratham, when she arrived.

Abby, who was dressed up to see Santa with her parents later in the day, said she loves snacks and that's part of the reason she never wants other children to go without.

The backpacks are filled with granola bars, Pop Tarts, cereal, crackers, macaroni and cheese, and a variety of food items to help get children who might receive food assistance during the week at their schools, but have no support in the 68 hours over the weekends.

All efforts by the group are completed by volunteers and 100 percent of donations go toward the purchase of food for the children.